Like many, you may think a shiny grin has good oral health. This idea is common, as clean things are typically stain-free. In reality, however, white teeth aren’t always healthy ones. They can sometimes develop dental issues, while a stained smile may be durable. Your Harker Heights dentist will happily explain if you want to learn more. That said, here’s a summary of why unhealthy teeth can look white, healthy ones can look yellow, and how to get a white and healthy smile.
Unhealthy Teeth Could Look White
True, white and shiny teeth are more appealing than stained ones. They seem very clean and untouched by grime. Even so, their looks can hide oral problems just beneath the surface.
For example, imagine you have a bright smile from using over-the-counter whiteners. The latter products are bad for teeth – they’re abrasive and wear down your enamel. As such, using them could make your grin gleam even as they expose your dentin. You’d then have a much greater risk of cavities and tooth infections.
Adding insult to injury, these harmful side effects aren’t always apparent at first. A shoddy store-bought whitener could erode your enamel without you knowing it. In other words, your smile could weaken while you’re none the wiser.
Healthy Teeth Could Look Yellowish
Even if you don’t find their color pleasant, yellowish teeth can still be healthy. Their tint may simply distract you from other, more critical dental qualities.
You see, most healthy teeth tend to have a yellow hue anyway. While enamel is naturally blue-white, the underlying dentin is a bit darker. When you look at the two layers together, the result is an off-white but slightly yellow color. That reality applies even when your enamel is nice and strong.
How to Get a White *and* Healthy Smile
Of course, you don’t have to choose between white teeth or healthy ones. You can have strong *and bright pearly whites! Getting them is just a matter of sticking to good practices. Such habits include the following:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene – With twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing, your teeth will house fewer harmful germs. Plus, the habits will remove leftover food bits that stain your smile.
- Avoid Stain Agents – If possible, avoid dark-colored foods and drinks. These items have various agents that stain teeth. Notable ones include coffee, tea, berries, tomato sauce, etc.
- See Your Dentist – It’s always possible to get healthy and white teeth with a dentist’s help. After all, they offer both cleaning and whitening treatments.
While white teeth aren’t always healthy, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t aim for them. Just make sure to keep your smile clean at the same time!
About the Practice
Market Heights Family Dental is based in Harker Heights, TX. Led by Dr. Angie Lim, our practice gives each patient a flourishing smile. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services tailored to your unique oral needs. Our office is also well-equipped to handle all manner of dental emergencies. As such, Dr. Lim and her team are sure to make your grin healthier and prettier! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (254)-699-3565.